What Is a Tibia Fracture?
A tibia fracture is a break in the tibia, the major bone in the lower leg which is also known as the shinbone. After the femur, the tibia is the longest bone in the body, and it is a major weight bearing bone, which can make a tibia fracture extremely problematic. Recovery times can be in the months, especially in the case of complex fractures, and if the fracture is not treated properly, patients can experience complications like changes in limb length and compartment syndrome.
A tibia fracture is a break in the tibia, the major bone in the lower leg which is also known as the shinbone. After the femur, the tibia is the longest bone in the body, and it is a major weight bearing bone, which can make a tibia fracture extremely problematic. Recovery times can be in the months, especially in the case of complex fractures, and if the fracture is not treated properly, patients can experience complications like changes in limb length and compartment syndrome. People who have a tibia fracture usually know it, because they experience intense and unremitting pain. They may not be able to walk or put any weight on the leg, and the shinbone may appear distorted or at a strange angle. Swelling is also a common symptom, and in the case of an open fracture, the broken bone will protrude through the skin.
